Barber has turned a patch of garden in his Port Credit
backyard into a monarch butterfly breeding ground that last summer produced
almost 500 additions to the black and orange species known for its annual winter
migration to Mexico.

A man with a passion for environmental causes, Barber was
looking for a simple and inexpensive way to help out nature at home.

He started five years ago by collecting milkweed from a nearby
field and planting it in his garden. Monarchs lay their eggs on milkweed leaves,
which the hatching caterpillars devour.

Barber keeps an eye on the milkweed all summer and collects
the leaves when he sees eggs on them. They are put in an aquarium indoors. The
caterpillars hatch in a few days, and after feeding for two weeks spin a
chrysalis, hanging upside down from the aquarium lid.

About two weeks later, the butterflies emerge and Barber sets
them free, often inviting neighbours over to enjoy the experience.

It's an ideal project for kids during the summer, he says.
"It's simple, inexpensive and anyone can do it."

Even raising three or four butterflies is a contribution, he
said, noting that monarch habitat is being destroyed by logging in their
forested wintering grounds in Mexico.

In the lead-up to Earth Hour 2009 (8:30 p.m. March 28), the
Star presents a series on people who are leading the way in battling climate
change and caring for the Earth. To nominate an Earth Angel, email earthhour@thestar.ca.